How can you set up a trading company in China as an overseas investor?
The most common cities for registering these kind of companies in China are: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai and Foshan. 

The policies for company registration and set up in China can vary depending on the city the company is formed. Here we give you a brief but detailed introduction on starting international trade companies in China. 

How to set up an international trade company in China – International Trade Company Registration 

Scope of activities of an international trade company in China 

The first step we must make to start an international trade company in China is to define the range of the main products the company is going to provide, and also the range of its business activities, this is not too commonly seen in Western countries, so maybe it is a unique trait of doing business China. The business range only has to define the major products the company is going to be involved with utilizing summarized words and terms. It is important to note that an international trade company can also participate in consulting activities related to its industry. 

The Structure of an International Trade Company in China

The other important thing to do when setting up an international trade company in China is to set up an adequate business structure, a limited liability company in China can be considered as a Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise (WFOE) or Joint Venture (JV). 

Definition of Shareholders

A shareholder of a limited liability company (LLC) in China can be divided into three categories: Overseas companies, Hong Kong-based companies or overseas individuals. 

Register an address in China or rent an office in China 

Every international trade company in China needs an office address to start the incorporation process within China. You can start your activities without renting an office by selecting alternative addresses so you can avoid searching and renting an office or incurring an office administration fee.

Company Types

Bring your Brand to China	Import & Export
The Chinese market is vast and is still in expansion. For that reason many companies rely on IT consulting firms to help them efficiently operate in the Chinese market.	The Food and Beverage (F&B) industry is growing rapidly in China. During the past decade the industry has grown at a rate of 30%. As a result of the increasing demand for new products and services, foreign entrepreneurs fell encouraged to enter the Chinese market.
Open a Shop	Commerce Online Store
Our team has helped to develop strategies for entrepreneurs, regional managers, and large multinational corporations. So our studies are aimed at empowering our clients to run a robust business plan in China.	A Trading company is a perfect quick start for everything you need to conduct your business in China. From incorporating your company, registering your trademarks to setting up a virtual office.

The Shanghai Free Trade Zone aims to generate a regulatory environment for better cross-border investment and trading. There is a tariff-free area; it is mainly used as a testing area for various investment, trade, finance, administration and legal changes.A China Trading Import – Export Company, abbreviated Trading WFOE, is a commonly used investment vehicle for mainland China-based businesses.The company is as a Limited-Liability type company called Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise. It is designed for businesses dealing with wholesale and retail. An Import Export License is necessary to establish a Trading WFOE.The registration of a China Company takes about 30 working days to be done.

The unique feature of a WFOE is that the entity is 100% owned, capitalized, and operated by foreign investors without the help of a local partner. A WFOE allows you to maintain greater control over your business operations, and revenue targets. In addition, it allows you to conduct business in China on your own without the need of a local partner. A WFOE is the favorable choice for an overseas company that wants to permanently incorporate into mainland China..

Unlike a Joint – Venture (JV), a WOFE is 100% owned and capitalized by foreign investors and is operated without a local partner.This allows for greater control over your businesses operations, and revenue targets.

The Chinese market is vast, expanding but also relatively complicated for newcomers. Consequently, many companies rely on consulting firms to help them efficiently operate in the Chinese market. The vast majority of Consulting companies entering China focus on overseas property, education consulting, brand consulting, technical services and HR to mention just a few. They are highly regarded and often extremely successful in China.